Lazarus: His Life, Death, and Resurrection

Lazarus of Bethany, the brother of Mary and Martha, is one of the most remarkable figures in the Gospels, not for his own actions but for what Jesus did for him. The account of Lazarus’ resurrection in John 11 is a profound display of Jesus’ divine power and foreshadows His own resurrection. Beyond this miracle, Lazarus is mentioned in other contexts that reveal his relationship with Jesus and the broader significance of his life. This study will explore who Lazarus was, why Jesus was deeply moved by his death, the details of his resurrection, and what we can learn from these events.

Who Was Lazarus?

Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus who lived in Bethany, a village about two miles from Jerusalem (John 11:1-2). He was the brother of Mary, who anointed Jesus with costly oil and wiped His feet with her hair (John 12:3; Matthew 26:7), and Martha, known for her hospitality and service (Luke 10:38-42). The family seems to have been well-known and respected, as many Jews came to console Mary and Martha after Lazarus’ death (John 11:19).

Why Was Jesus So Moved by Lazarus’ Death?

In John 11:33-35, we see Jesus deeply moved, even weeping, when He encounters Mary and the mourners grieving for Lazarus. Several reasons highlight why Jesus was so affected:

Jesus’ Love for Lazarus: John explicitly states that Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters (John 11:5). This personal connection emphasizes the humanity of Jesus, who felt the sting of losing a beloved friend.

Compassion for the Grieving: Jesus was moved by the sorrow of Mary, Martha, and the mourners. In Hebrews 4:15, we are reminded that Jesus is our compassionate High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and pains.

The Tragedy of Death: While Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus, He was still grieved by the effects of sin and death in the world, which had brought such pain to humanity. Death, the last enemy, deeply moves the heart of God (1 Corinthians 15:26).

Why Did Jesus Wait?

The timing of Jesus’ actions in this account is intentional and purposeful. When Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick, He delays going to Bethany for two days (John 11:6). This decision is puzzling at first, but His reasons become clear:

To Display God’s Glory: Jesus tells His disciples, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). By allowing Lazarus to die and then raising him, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority over life and death.

To Strengthen Faith: Jesus tells His disciples plainly that Lazarus is dead and says, “I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe” (John 11:14-15). The delay ensured that the resurrection would have maximum impact on the faith of the witnesses.

To Affirm His Timing: Jesus’ deliberate delay reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, even when it is difficult to understand. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, we read that God makes everything beautiful in its time.

The Details of Lazarus’ Resurrection

The resurrection of Lazarus is described in John 11:38-44 with specific details that emphasize the miraculous nature of the event:

The Stone and the Tomb: Lazarus was buried in a cave with a stone laid across its entrance. Jesus instructs the stone to be removed, despite Martha’s protest about the stench of death after four days (John 11:39).

Jesus’ Prayer: Before raising Lazarus, Jesus prays openly to the Father, saying, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me” (John 11:41-42). This prayer underscores that the miracle was for the purpose of revealing Jesus as the Messiah.

The Command to Come Forth: Jesus calls out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” (John 11:43). His words are powerful enough to reach into death itself and bring Lazarus back to life. The specificity of the command prevents confusion; only Lazarus was called.  It has been said that Jesus had to name Lazarus by name or every dead man on earth would have risen.

The Grave Clothes: Lazarus comes out of the tomb still bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus tells the people, “Loose him, and let him go” (John 11:44). This detail is significant because it shows that Lazarus could not free himself.

Other Mentions of Lazarus

John 12:1-2: Lazarus is present at a dinner in Bethany six days before the Passover, where he is reclining at the table with Jesus. This scene demonstrates his restored life and his closeness to Jesus.

John 12:9-11: Lazarus becomes a living testimony to Jesus’ power, leading many Jews to believe in Him. The chief priests plot to kill Lazarus as well, showing the impact his resurrection had on Jesus’ ministry.

Theological Insights

Jesus’ Power Over Death: Lazarus’ resurrection reveals Jesus as the “resurrection and the life” (John 11:25-26). This miracle prefigures Jesus’ own resurrection, which secures eternal life for all who believe in Him.

Faith in Action: Both Martha and Mary express their faith in Jesus, but their understanding is deepened by witnessing His power. Martha’s confession, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27), is one of the clearest declarations of faith in the Gospels.

My Final Thoughts

The resurrection of Lazarus is a testament to the glory of God and the depth of His compassion. The delay in Jesus’ arrival, His command to come forth, and the unbinding of Lazarus all point to a greater truth: Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and through Him, death has no ultimate power over those who believe. Lazarus’ resurrection challenges us to trust in God’s timing, to live as testimonies of His grace, and to participate in the work of spreading the Gospel, freeing others in Christ.

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